sports
January 13, 2026
Australian Open is drawing record crowds before the tournament has even begun
To supercharge the Melbourne Park event, ‘Opening Week’ maximises the music, food and wellness – and adds a $1m tennis showcase

TL;DR
- The Australian Open has expanded its "Opening Week" to include music, food, and wellness events.
- The event aims to "own January" by extending its duration and offering a wide range of activities.
- Attendance on the first day reached a record 29,261, a significant increase from the previous year.
- New attractions include concerts by Hot Chip and The Presets, a Roger Federer appearance, and a $1 million prize for the "One Point Slam" showcase.
- Tennis Australia's CEO, Craig Tiley, emphasizes the goal of promoting the game and increasing participation.
- Future plans include further stadium upgrades at Melbourne Park to enhance fan experience and bring players and fans closer.
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